
Class O^/ ^'/ 
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COPVRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



The Study of Com 



BY 

VERNON M. SHOESMITH 

Professor of Agronomy and Agronomist of the Experiment Station 
Michigan State Agricultural College, formerly Associate 
Professor of Agronomy in the College of Agri- 
culture, Ohio State University 



ILLUSTRATED 



NEW YORK 

ORANGE JUDD COMPANY 
1910 



^x- 



Copyright, 1910, by 
ORANGE JUDD COMPANY 



Printed in the U. S. A. 



@G! A259r.38 



ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 

The author wishes to acknowledge the assistance 
rendered by the following persons in the preparation 
of this book : Prof. A. G. McCall, Ohio State Uni- 
versity; Mr. C. G. Williams and Mr. F. A. Welton, 
Ohio Experiment Station ; Prof. R. A. Moore, Uni- 
versity of Wisconsin, for suggesting and reading of 
proof. The illustration on page 28 was furnished 
through the courtesy of the Wisconsin Experiment 
Station, and those on pages 21 and 27, from the Kansas 
Experiment Station. Most of the remaining illustra- 
tions are the work of Prof. F. H. Haskett, Ohio State 
University. 



The rose may bloom for England, 

The lily for France unfold: 
Ireland may honor the shamrock, 

Scotland her thistle bold; 
But the shield of the great republic, 

The glory of the West, 
Shall bear a stalk of tasseled corn. 

Of all our zvealth the best. 
The arbutus and the goldenrod 

The heart of the North may cheer. 
And the mountain laurel for Maryland 

Its royal clusters may rear. 
And the jasmine and magnolia 

The crest of the South adorn, 
But the zvide republic's emblem 

Is tJie bounteous golden corn. 

— Edna Dean Proctor. 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Description and Adaptation of the Sub-species 
OF Types of Corn ii 

Description and Adaptation of Some of the 

More Popular Varieties of Corn ... 17 

Tabular Description of Several Varieties of 

Corn 29 

Judging and Selection of Ear Corn .... 34 

Relative Value of the Ear Characteristics of 

Corn 64 

Testing the Germination of Corn .... 81 

Shelling and Grading Corn for Planting . . 83 

Grade Sheet for Grading Students' Placings 

OF Ears or Samples 85 

Field Selection of Corn 86 

Index 95 



PREFACE 

This work is prepared as a laboratory guide in corn 
judging for use in agricultural colleges, high schools, 
and agricultural extension schools, and as a guide to 
the farmer in the study of corn. 

During the past decade, which has meant so much 
for corn improvement, the score-card method of judg- 
ing, in which definite standards are set, certain credits 
given to the several qualities considered and definite 
rules given for marking deficiencies, has been largely 
employed. 

The score-card has been of great value and con- 
venience in the study of corn at a time when little 
attention had been given to corn improvement ; but 
our corn specialists are now beginning to realize, as 
our stockmen have realized for many years, that the 
score-card is too arbitrary and unpliable for the most 
careful comparison of individual or unit groups. The 
primary function of the score-card is an aid to the 
beginner, and, as such, will doubtless be found to be 
of considerable value in the hands of many instruct- 
ors, but in the experience of the writer with under- 
graduate students of the agricultural college, it has 
required much supplementary instruction and has not 
proved to be the most convenient means of acquiring 
knowledge as to detail in the study of corn or the 
importance or relation between the characteristics con- 
sidered. The chief objections to the general or ex- 



VIU PREFACE 

elusive use of the score-card in the study of corn 
are: 

(i) Most score-cards do not provide for sufficient 
detail in the study of corn. There are many qualities 
which have not and can not well be included in the 
score-card because of their relative unimportance or 
their infrequency of occurrence, which are of consid- 
erable importance in the judging of certain samples. 

(2) The score-card does not show the relation be- 
tween the several qualities, except in a limited wav, 
and does not present the subject in an analytical man- 
ner which is conducive to original study on the part 
of the student. 

(3) It is an unsatisfactory method of selecting and 
judging corn. It is based upon the assumption that 
there are always certain definite relations between 
each of the qualities on the score-card and that each 
quality may be assigned a certain number of credits. 
As a matter of fact, no such relation exists. For in- 
stance, in comparing two samples it may be found 
that they are very similar in all respects, with the 
exception of maturity and seed condition, in which 
they differ radically. Maturity and seed condition, 
then, are the deciding factors between these two 
samples and are worth practically 100 points. In com- 
paring two other samples, the maturity and seed con- 
dition may be found to be identical, but the type or 
amount of corn represents the important difference. 
Any one of these qualities may be worth o, 10, 20, 
50, or any number of credits, and any score-card in 
which each quality is always given a definite number 
of credits is apt to fail to show the true relative value 
of the samples or ears. 



PREFACE IX 

The chief characteristics of the method of judging 
outHned in this book are the arrangement of the de- 
tailed characteristics of the ear in a manner to show 
their significance and their relation to each other, a 
comparison of ears in these various characteristics and 
the comparison of ears and groups of ears as units. 
The average relative importance of the several char- 
acteristics is stated only in a general way, but the 
student is taught the relative value of these character- 
istics in all possible combinations of strong and weak 
points by numerous comparisons. The score-card may 
be used to advantage in conjunction with the compari- 
son method of judging, but its use should follow that 
of the comparison sheets A and B or of a similar 
study, and be used to point out some of the more im- 
portant characteristics and to show in a general way the 
relative importance of the several characteristics, with 
the understanding that the relative importance is not 
a fixed quality. 

While one may proceed much more rapidly in the 
study of corn under the direction of a competent in- 
structor, this work is arranged, so far as possible, in 
such a manner as to enable the careful student to pro- 
ceed without further instruction. 



THE STUDY OF CORN 



CHAPTER I 
TYPES AND VARIETIES OF CORN 

Corn, known botanically as Zea maize, and in other 
countries commonly as maize, belongs to the grass 
family, but differs widely from wheat, oats, oar pas- 
ture and meadow grasses, and other common species 
of the family. Few if any of the wild types of corn 
are known, and doubtless the cultivated species would 
become extinct in a few years if not cared for bv 
man. Dr. E. L. Sturtevant has classified corn in six 
sub-species or types, as follows : 

Dent corn {Zea indent ata) in which the horny en- 
dosperm is located mainly at the edges of the kernel, 
and the soft or white endosperm in the center and 
at the crown. In maturing, the soft endosperm shrinks 
more rapidly than the horny endosperm and causes an 
indentation and a more or less irregular wrinkling or 
folding of the seed coat at the crown of the kernel. 
This type, on account of the large number of varieties 
and varying conditions under which it has been grown 
for a great length of time, shows a wide variation, but 
is, on the whole, a medium to large type, requiring a 
medium to long season for maturity. Usually only 
one ear, which is of medium or large size, is produced 
on each stalk. 

II 



12 THE STUDY OF CORN 

This type is further characterized by ears which 
usually have a large number of rows of grains and a 
large diameter, the circumference being about ^ to 
4/5 the length of the ear. The grains are long, wedge- 




EARS REPRESENTING DIFFERENT TYPES OF CORN 
The first ear at the left is of the dent type, the second is of the 
flint type, and the third of the soft type. The fourth is pod 
corn, the fifth sweet corn, and the sixth is pop corn 

shaped, and more or less angular, being closely set on 
the cob. 

Dent corn is by far the most common type of corn 
and is especially adapted to the corn belt and to all 
sections where the growing season is sufficiently long 
to mature it. 

Flint corn (Zea indurata) differs from the dent type 
in having the soft endosperm in the center of the grain 
and surrounded by the horny endosperm. In ma- 



TYPES AND VARIETIES OF CORN I3 

turing, the grain shrinks uniformly, so that no inden- 
tation is produced. 

The flint corns do not require as long a season as 
the dent varieties and do not attain as great a height 
or as large a stalk or as broad leaves. The tendency 
to sucker is much more marked and frequently two 
or more ears to a plant are produced. The ears are 
produced much nearer the ground and are of a quite 
dififerent type from those of the dent corn. The ears 
usually measure from 4;^ to 6 inches in circumference 
and 8 to 14 inches in length. The usual number of row^s 
is 8 to 12. The grains are rather loosely set on the 
cob with wide furrows between the rows. The kernels 
are shallow, usually wider than deep, and rounded at 
the crown. The ear has a flinty, glossy appearance, 
the more common colors being some of the various 
shades of yellow or white. 

This type is adapted to our most northern States 
and to Canada and to other sections where the dent 
varieties are not adapted on account of the shortness 
of the season. 

Soft corn (Zca amaylacea). This type may be 
readily recognized by the absence of the horny en- 
dosperm, the entire interior of the grain, aside from 
the germ, being composed of a soft, starchy endosperm. 
Varieties of this type are commonly grown in 
several of the South and Central American countries, 
where a long growing season is provided ; but none 
of them are of commercial importance in the United 
States, although the Brazilian flour corn, which is one 
of the varieties of soft corn, is occasionally grown as 
an ensilage variety. 

The shape of the ear is similar to the flint type, ex- 



14 THE STUDY OF CORN 

cept it is a little larger in circumference and somewhat 
shorter. The grain is of the broad, rounded type, 
similar to the flint kernel and in some varieties is very 
large. On account of the uniform shrinking of the 
grain in ripening, little if any indentation appears. The 
color varies widely, white, blue and black being the 
most common. The appearance of the ear is not as 
glossy as in the flint varieties. 

Sweet corn (Zca sacchrata). This type is charac- 
terized by the translucent, horny appearance of the 
endosperm and the wrinkled appearance of the ma- 
tured kernel. The starch is more or less reduced to 
sugar, which makes this type especially suited to table 
use. The ears are small to medium in size and usually 
have 8 to 1 6 rows, the grains being rather broad and 
rounded. 

The length of season required for maturing varies 
widely in the different varieties, and selections may 
be had which are adapted to any section where corn 
is grown. Sweet corn usually shows a decided tend- 
ency to sucker and some of the larger varieties are 
heavy producers of forage and valuable for use as a 
soiling crop. 

Pop corn {Zea everta). In this type all or nearly 
all of the endosperm is corneous or horny, and very 
hard, which gives it the property of popping or turn- 
ing inside out into an enlarged white mass upon being 
heated. There are two groups of varieties, the rice 
and the pearl. In the former the ears are inclined to 
taper considerably and the grains are very sharp or 
pointed at the crown. In the latter the grains are 
smooth or rounded at the crown and more compact 
on the cob, and the ears are only slightly tapering. 



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FOUR VARIETIES OF FLINT CORN 

In the upper row the four ears at the left are Smut Nosed Flint, and 
those at the right the Red Blazed Flint. In the bottom row the 
Longfellow Flint is shown at the left and the Yellow Flint at 
the right. 



1 6 THE STUDY OF CORN 

The ears of pop corn vary in length from about 3 
inches in the Tom Thumb variety to 7 or 8 inches in 
some of the larger rice or pearl varieties. Pop corn 
suckers readily and usually produces several ears per 
plant. The length of season required and the adapta- 
bility to different conditions varies widely in different 
sections. It is little grown except for human con- 
sumption. 

Pod corn (Zea tnnticata). This corn is character- 
ized by a small to medium sized ear which is not only 
enclosed in the husk about the ear, but has husks sur- 
rounding each kernel. Because of the tendency of 
dent corn to occasionally revert to this type and the 
tendency of pod corn to break up into several types, 
this corn is thought to be the primitive or original 
type of corn from which the other types have de- 
veloped. 

The plant suckers abundantly, is very leafy, and has 
.a tendency to produce grains in the tassel. It is of 
no commercial importance, being grown only as a 
•curiosity. 

Varieties of corn. The fact that corn is a cross- 
fertilized plant and is with difficulty kept pure, and 
the fact that any type will change materially in a few 
years if placed under greatly different conditions, ac- 
counts for the existence of the thousand or more, more 
or less distinct varieties or strains that are grown 
to-day. These varieties show every possible varia- 
tion in type of plant, ear, adaptability, etc. 

The dent varieties are frequently classified as to 
the length of season, as follows : early, medium early, 
medium, medium late and late. And also as to color, 
as follows: yellow varieties, which represent the most 



TYPES AND VARIETIES OF CORN IJ 

common type in at least the northern part of the corn 
belt and the Northern States ; the white varieties, 
which are quite commonly grown throughout the corn 
belt and are the preferred type in the South, and the 
yellow, white-capped, blue, red, and calico corns, which 
are grown in a limited way in certain sections through- 
out the corn belt. 

No attempt can be made here to classify and de- 
scribe all the important varieties, but a brief descrip- 
tion is given below of a few of the most popular 
ones. 

DESCRIPTION AND ADAPTATION OF VARIETIES 

Boone County White. The Boone County White 
was originated in Boone County, Indiana, but is prob- 
ably more widely distributed to-day than any other 
variety of white corn. It is a rather large, nearly 
cylindrical ear, with i8 to 22 rows, measuring in the 
north central zone about 9 to 10 inches in length and 
7 to yYz inches in circumference and attaining a some- 
what larger size as grown farther south. The grains 
are of medium width and fairly thick, and are usually 
of good length. The color is a cream white and the 
indentation varies from medium smooth to rough, the 
medium rough type being more common. 

Although the ear characteristics are fairly well fixed, 
the Boone County White, on account of its wide dis- 
tribution, has developed into several types of varying 
maturity and adaptability. It is, on the whole, a 
rather large, late-maturing variety, and is especially 
adapted to fertile soils in the southern part of the 
north central zone and throughout the south central 
and southern zones. 



TYPES AND VARIETIES OF CORN I9 

Clarage. The Clarage has been developed in Ohio, 
where it is quite commonly grown. It is a small- 
eared corn, measuring 8 to 9 inches in length and 
6^ to 734 inches in circumference, the number of 
rows varying from 14 to 18, and the color being a 
medium yellow. The kernels are fairly broad and of 
only medium depth. The indentation is medium 
smooth. 

It is medium early in maturity, and is especially 
adapted to the clay soils of medium fertility in north- 
ern Ohio, to the uplands in southern Ohio, and to 
similar conditions in adjoining States. It varies con- 
siderably, both in type and adaptability in the hands 
of different breeders, these selections or strains usu- 
ally lacking the uniformity of type found in the 
Reid's Yellow Dent and Leaming varieties. 

Cocke Prolific. This variety, which has long been 
grown in the South, is representative of a large class 
of Southern corns known as prolific varieties. The 
ears are small, 8 to 9 inches in length and 6 to 6^ 
inches in circumference ; but two or more ears are fre- 
quently produced on each stalk. The ear is slightly 
tapering to tapering, with 10 to 14 rows and a medium 
broad kernel with rather wide space between the rows. 
The indentation is medium smooth. The grain is of 
only medium depth and the per cent of grain is 
medium. 

This and other prolific varieties are well adapted 
to the soil and climatic conditions of the South and 
are quite commonly grown. On account of the large 
amount of forage, they are promising varieties for 
silage; but it is questionable if varieties which pro- 
duce a single ear per plant cannot be made to pro- 



20 THE STUDY OF CORN 

duce as large yields of grain and can be harvested 
more economically. 

Collier's Excelsior. The Collier's Excelsior is a 
large-eared, white variety which has been developed 
in recent years in eastern Maryland, originating 
from a cross between the Farmer's Interest and 
White Elephant and closely resembling the Boone 
County White in type. The ears are cylindrical, 
well filled at the butt and tip, and measuring lo to 
1 1 inches in length and 7^4 to 'jY\ inches in circum- 
ference and have i8 to 24 rows. The indentation is 
medium rough and the kernels deep. 

While this variety has not been widely distributed 
as yet, its apparent productiveness and adaptability 
to fertile soils or soils of medium fertility in the east- 
ern ends of the south central and southern zones 
would indicate a wider distribution during the next 
few years. 

Funk's Yellow Dent. The Funk's Yellow Dent is 
a medium large and medium late maturing variety, 
which has been developed during recent years in cen- 
tral Illinois. In general appearance the ears resemble 
the Reid's Yellow Dent, which entered largely into its 
early breeding. The ears are slightly tapering, 9 to 
10 inches in length and about 7 inches in circumfer- 
ence. The indentation is medium rough and the color 
is a medium yellow, with a light or pale yellow cap. 
The grains are not as compactly placed upon the ear 
as in many strains of the Reid's Yellow Dent ; the 
grains are deep and the butts usually well rounded, 
and the tips well filled. 

Some strains of this variety have been bred for high 
content of protein and oil. While this variety does 



TYPES AND VARIETIES OF CORN 21 

not have the wide distribution of the Reid's Yellow 
Dent and Boone County White, it has a growing popu- 
larity throughout the corn belt. It is best adapted to 
conditions of the south central zone. 

Hickory King. The Hickory King is a variety of 
corn which has long been grown in the South and to 
a limited extent in the south central zone. It is only 




HILDRETH YELLOW DENT 

A variety which is well adapted to the bottom lands, and more fertile 

soils of Kansas 

a medium-sized ear, 8 to 9 inches in length, 6>4 to 7 
inches in circumference. It is characterized chiefly 
by its small number of rows and its very large, br®ad 
grains and its rather smooth, flinty appearance. It is 
medium late in maturity, and is especially adapted to 
the medium or poorer soils south of the Ohio River. 

Hildreth. The Hildreth corn is a variety which has 
been developed during recent years in Kansas, where 
it is a promising variety for the river-bottom soils in 



122 THE STUDY OF CORN 

the eastern and central parts of the State. It is very 
late in maturing and is not well adapted to any part 
of the corn belt north of the northern border of Kan- 
sas nor the soils of poor fertility or unfavorable con- 
ditions south of this line. The ears are large in cir- 
cumference and of fairly good length; the cobs are 
medium large, but the grains are very deep. The 
space between the rows while not wide is frequently 
deep, there being a large number of rows with a 
grain of narrow or medium width. 

Hogue's Yellow Dent. This variety, which has 
been bred since 1885 in Saline County, Nebraska, and 
has since been distributed to other parts of Nebraska 
and adjoining States, has a medium-sized ear 9 to 10 
inches in length and 6^ to 7^ inches in circumfer- 
ence. The ear is slightly tapering, has 16 to 20 rows, 
is medium compact, and is medium rough in indenta- 
tion. It has a medium deep grain and a good per 
cent of shelled corn. It is medium late in maturity. 

This variety has proved to be well adapted to east- 
ern and central Nebraska and to northeastern Kansas 
and promises to be more widely distributed within 
the next few years. 

Kansas Sunflower. This variety, which originated 
in central Kansas, has been carefully selected for many 
years, but did not have a wide distribution until tested 
and disseminated by the Kansas experiment station. 

The ear is slightly tapering, or nearly cylindrical, 9 
to 10 inches in length and about 7 inches in circum- 
ference; it has 14 to 18 rows, with a rather broad 
grain, the rows usually being carried out fairly well 
at butt and tip; the cob is medium small and the 
grain fairly deep for the size of the ear; the color is 



TYPES AND VARIETIES OF CORN 



23 



a rich golden yellow. It is especially adapted to the 
drier sections and thinner soils of Kansas and ad- 
joining states. 

Learning. The Learning variety, which w^as origi- 
nally bred in Clinton County, Ohio, consists of two 
distinct types. The old type of Learning is a dis- 
tinctly tapering ear with 18 to 24 rows and from 7 to 




m'auley white 

A corn of wide adaptability in Kansas and adjoining states. 

8 inches in length and from 7 to jY^ inches in cir- 
cumference. The color is medium dark, often with 
a tinge of red. The grain is apt to be rather narrow 
and thick and is often quite irregular. The indenta 
tion is medium smooth. The butts and tips are us- 
ually well filled. 

The Improved Leaming was bred in Illinois from 
the old Ohio type, from which it differs radically in 
appearance. The ears are slightly to medium taper- 
ing and have 18 to 22 rows. The length of ears is 



24 THE STUDY OF CORN 

9 to ID inches and the circumference about 7 inches, 
the size varying somewhat according to the soil and 
cHmatic condition. 

The color is a medium yellow with a tinge of golden 
yellow, and the indentation varies from medium to 
medium rough. The grains are usually somewhat 
wider and much more uniform than in the old type. 
The Leaming has a wide adaptation, being com- 
monly grown in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio, and 
to a less extent in several of the adjoining states, 
and also in several of the Eastern and Southern 
states. 

Minnesota No. 13. This is a variety which has 
been developed by the Minnesota Experiment Sta- 
tion from a native Minnesota variety, and was first 
distributed by this station about 10 years ago. The 
ears are slightly tapering, 7 to 8 inches in length and 
6 to 6^ inches in circumference, and 14 to 18 rows 
with a medium broad kernel. The indentation is 
medium smooth and the color is a medium yellow. 
While the uniformity is not as marked as in some 
varieties, the kernels are fairly deep and are com- 
pactly set on the cob. The butts are usually well 
rounded and the tips well filled. It is especially 
adapted for growing in Minnesota and the Dakotas, 
where it is commonly grown. It is also grown to a 
less extent in several other states. 

Pickett's Yellow Dent. The selection and im- 
provement of this variety may be traced back for a 
couple of decades or more, but its distribution 
throughout the lower peninsula of Michigan has 
taken place during the last few years. The ears are 
slightly tapering and are of medium small size^ 



TYPES AND VARIETIES OF CORN 2^ 

measuring 7 to 8^ inches in length and 6^ to 7^ 
inches in circumference. The number of rows varies 
from 16 to 20. The kernels are medium long and 
are very compactly placed on the cob. The tips are 
well filled, the butts well rounded, and the shank 
small. The color is a medium bright yellow with 
light yellow caps. It is a medium small and rather 
early variety, reaching the height of about 8 feet and 
always maturing nicely unless planted late. It is 
well adapted to central and southern Michigan, 
and is growing in popularity. It is little grown in 
other states. 

Pride of the North. The Pride of the North has 
been a more or less popular corn in the Northern 
States for several decades, but does not show the 
breeding and type found in some other varieties. The 
ears are small, the larger ones measuring only 7 to 
8 inches in length and about 6 inches in circumfer- 
ence. The number of rows varies from 14 to 18, and 
the kernel is medium wide and rather shallow. The 
indentation is medium smooth ; the color is a medium 
dark yellow. The ears are slightly tapering; the fur- 
rows between the rows are fairly wide and the kernels 
are only fairly uniform. 

This variety is very early in maturing, and is well 
adapted to growing in the northern tier of States, 
where it is a good producer, or for late planting some- 
what south of this belt. 

Raid's Yellow Dent. In the north central zone, 
where the Reid's Yellow Dent variety is most com- 
monly grown, it is of medium maturity and size, the 
ears measuring 9 to 10 inches in length and 6^ to 
y% inches in circumference. The typical number of 



26 THE STUDY OF CORN 

rows is 1 8 to 20, but ears are commonly found vary- 
ing from 16 to 24 rows. The color is a medium dark 
yellow on the sides of the grain, often with a tinge 
of red appearing, the color of the caps or crowns be- 
ing a light or pale yellow. 

The Reid's Yellow Dent corn usually has a very 




REID S YELLOW DENT 

compact appearance, there being little space between 
the grains. The kernels have a characteristic shape, 
being rather narrow and thick and appearing some- 
what square, as seen in the ear. The butts and tips 
are usually well covered. The shank or attachment 
to stalk is usually small, frequently too small to sup- 
port the ear. 

This variety was originally bred in north central Illi- 
nois, but has for many years been widely distributed 
throughout the north central and south central zones 



TYPES AND VARIETIES OF CORN 2/ 

and to a less extent in the northern zone. It varies 
greatly in adaptability and maturity and somewhat in 
type, in the hands of different breeders and under dif- 
ferent soil and climatic conditions, but the uniformity 
and type (with the exception of color) is usually well 
marked in the hands of any breeder. 

It is well adapted to the rich soils or soils of me- 
dium fertility in the central zone, though in the south 
central zone larger growing corns frequently return 
larger yields upon the more fertile soils. 

Silver King. The Silver King originated in north- 
ern Iowa, but has since been improved and widely dis- 
seminated throughout Wisconsin by the Wisconsin 
Experiment Station. 

The ear is fairly large for the northern zone, meas- 
uring 8 to 10 inches in length and 6^ to 7^ inches 
in circumference. It has 14 to 18 rows, with a medium 
wide but deep grain and generally a good per cent of 
corn. The ear is nearly cylindrical, with the 
butts and tips well filled. The indentation is me- 
dium. It is an early maturing variety, and is especially 
adapted to Wisconsin, Minnesota, northern Iowa, and 
southern Michigan, where it is one of the leading 
varieties. 

Silver Mine. The Silver Mine, which originated 
in Ford County, Illinois, about 1890, has a cylindrical 
or slightly tapering ear with a tapering tip, and meas- 
ures 8^ to 9^ inches in length and 6^ to y% inches 
in circumference. While the rows are in distinct 
pairs, as in other varieties, the pairing is not as plainly 
visible, on account of the large space between the rows 
of each pair, which gives the ear a characteristic ap- 
pearance. The usual number of rows is 18 to 20. The 



28 



THE STUDY OF CORN 



kernels are rather broad and not very compact on the 
ear. The indentation is medium rough to rough. The 
color is a cream white. The cob is small and the 
per cent of grain fairly large. 

This variety is medium early in maturing, and is 
best adapted to soils of medium fertility through the 
north central zone and the northern part of the south 
central zone. Its distribution is not as wide as the 
Reid's Yellow Dent, Leaming, or Boone County White, 
being grown chiefly in the section mentioned above. 




SILVER KING (WISCONSIN NO. 7) 

One of the most widely grown and highest yielding corns 
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CHAPTER II 

THE JUDGING AND SELECTION OF CORN 

Among the things which are fundamental to the 
intelHgent selection of corn are a familiarity with the 
detailed characteristics of the ear and grain and a 
knowledge as to the significance of each. 

One should become so thoroughly familiar with 
every characteristic of the ear as to be able to recog- 
nize at a glance the strength or weakness of each. He 
must be able to see the shallow grain, the space be- 
tween grains or the impurity of breeding as indicated 
by the color; he must see the uniformity in type or 
the lack of it and the conformity to the standard of 
the variety or type ; he must know the significance 
of the tapering grain and know where to look further 
for the indications of the same weakness ; he must 
have a standard in mind in utility points and have 
reasons for the same ; and he must know in general 
what types are best suited to his soil and climatic con- 
ditions. 

In comparison sheets A and B are given a list of 
the more important characteristics, arranged so as to 
show the significance of each. A careful perusal of 
this list and practice work in comparing ears by these 
sheets will be of value to the beginner as fundamental 
to the selection of ears or samples. 

34 



THE JUDGING AND SELECTION OF CORN 35 

HOW TO STUDY THE CHARACTERISTICS 
OF CORN 

Using Comparison Sheet "A." ^ Turn to pages 41 to 
64 and read what is said in general in regard to study 
of characteristics, and pages 17 to 32 for description of 
the particular variety. Select two good ears of some- 
what similar type and mark one of them "A" and the 
other *'B." Use the terms slight, medium and marked, 
to express the differences in the several points ; for 
instance, if ear ''A" has a slightly better shape than 
ear "B," the term "slight" should be marked in the 
first column and the second column left blank opposite 
shape of ear, but if ear "B" is better, the descriptive 
word is placed in the second column and the first 
column is left blank. If the ear "A" is much better 
in size of ear, the term "marked" is written in the 
first column opposite size of ear ; if the difiference is 
only an average one, the term "medium" is used. The 
third column, under remarks, may be used for indi- 
cating any differences not expressed in the other two 

1 How TO Prepare Exhibits for Judging. — The usual num- 
ber of ears in a sample, either in class-room or a corn 
show, is 10. This is about as small a sample as will give a 
good idea of the type, and a much larger one would be 
cumbersome to handle and difficult to summarize and carry 
in mind. A sample of five ears is sufficiently large for 
class-room work in which the comparison is made between 
ears rather than samples. The first exercise, that of com- 
parison sheet A, requires only two ears. Each ear should 
be identified by a small tag attached to the ear. The sam- 
ples should be numbered and the ears lettered, the number 
and letters both appearing on each tag, so that any ear 
which becomes misplaced may be returned to its original 
sample. 



G 
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THE JUDGING AND SELECTION OF CORN 



39 



columns. It will be noticed that the characteristics are 
classified under the general heads, ''type or breed char- 
acteristics" and "general quality regardless of variety 
or type," and that each of these are divided and sub- 




These ten ears which were awarded first premium at the National Corn 
Exposition, 1908, show uniformity in size, shape, color, indenta- 
tion, etc. The type is well fixed, and the characteristics will be 
transmitted to their offspring with considerable certainty. 

divided into several qualities. The qualities mentioned 
in the general heads should not be studied until all the 
characteristics under these heads have been considered, 
when space will be found provided for making these 
summaries. The judging of the total qualities should 
always be done by comparing the ears rather than by 
summarizing the results on the sheet. 

In this and the following exercises the student is 
encouraged to depend largely upon his own judgment. 
Some hints are given in the study of characteristics 
and description of varieties as to what an ideal type 
should be, and these should be studied carefully, 
but in order to get the most out of the course, the 
student must learn to ask and answer questions for 
himself. 



THE JUDGING AND SELECTION OF CORN 4I 

CHARACTERISTICS AS TO TYPE OR BREED 

The shape of the ear depends upon (i) the pro- 
portion of length to circumference. In normal-sized 
or large ears the circumference should be about ^ to 
4/5 the length, but in very small ears the circumfer- 
ence will be found to exceed 4/5 the length. These 
proportions are desirable because they are the normal 
ones and nothing can be gained, and perhaps much 
lost, by an attempt to change the standard; (2) the 
lines of the ear — which should be straight and curve 
out nicely at butt and tip of ear; ears whose lines 
are not straight usually have more or less irregular 
kernels; (3) the uniformity in size from butt to tip. 
While experimental data on this point is inconclusive, 
the greater uniformity of grains in the cylindrical or 
slightly tapering ear is sufficient to justify its prefer- 
ence over the very tapering ear. Ears with reversed 
taper are abnormal and not to be desired. 

The size of ear is determined by (i) the length — 
which should be measured from butt to extreme tip 
of cob, as this indicates the true tendency of the strain 
toward length better than the length of ear to which 
the grain extends; (2) the circumference — which is 
usually measured at one-third the distance from butt 
to tip. 

The size of ear is of importance as an indication as 
to its adaptability to soil and climatic conditions. 
Large-eared varieties will produce the maximum yield 
in the southern part of the corn belt, while small- 
eared varieties must be grown in the north. Larger- 
eared varieties may be grown on fertile soil under fa- 
vorable conditions than on soils of medium or poor fer- 
tility, or with too light a rainfall, cr other unfavorable 



42 THE STUDY OF CORN 

conditions. It is impossible to set a definite standard 
for length and circumference for all the conditions over 
any large section, but the size of ear will depend 
upon local conditions and can only be determined by 
one familiar with those conditions and with the par- 
ticular variety of corn. The measurements given in the 
tabular description of varieties — pages 29 to 32 — are of 
value mainly as showing the average dimensions of 
the respective varieties for the several zones. 

The indentation in dent corn is of value chiefly 
(i) as an indication as to its adaptability and length 
of season. Usually the rough or deeply indented types 
require a long season and favorable conditions, while 
the smooth types will mature in a shorter season and 
will grow under less favorable conditions; (2) be- 
cause of its corelation to other qualities. Ears that 
are fairly rough usually have a large circumference 
in proportion to their length, a large number of rows 
and narrow kernel, and small space between rows, 
and a deep grain. Smooth ears are apt to be long and 
slender, with a small number of rows and broad kernel 
with wide spaces between the rows, and shallow grains. 
A medium type, or a type approaching the former, is 
to be preferred over the latter in the central and south- 
ern zones, though a somewhat smoother type is best 
adapted to the northern zone. 

The natural color of ear. By natural color of ear 
is meant the color of the variety when properly ma- 
tured and not bleached or discolored by exposure to 
the weather. 

The most common colors in dent and flint corn are 
white and yellow, of which there are many shades. 
In these the color is located in the horny endosperm 







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44 'i'HE STUDY OF CORN 

and possibly the alenrone layer. In the blue corn 
of the squaw type and in the blue, purple and black 
corns of the soft and sweet types the color is in the 
aleurone layer. In the red and calico corns the color 
is located in the hull. 

If the natural color of the sample is not character- 
istic of the variety or if the grains vary in color, it is 




The two ears at the extreme left are of the bloody butcher type ; the 
next two are mixed squaw corn ; the next a couple of yellow 
ears with a decided tinge of red on the sides of the grains ; and 
the fourth pair is a type of yellow white cap corn. None of 
these corns should be grown, as they have no advantages over 
the pure white and yellow corns as shown at the right, and have 
the disadvantages of grading as mixed corn on the market, and 
of mixing corns of pure color if grown on the farm. 

an indication of impurity of breeding. When yellow 
varieties are fertilized by pollen from white corn, the 
mixture is showm by the white or light colored caps, 
but when white varieties are fertilized by yellow corn, 
the mixture is shown on the sides of the grains. The 
n/ :ture of blue corn with corn of other colors is 
shown both at the caps and on the sides of the grains. 
In the breeding of corn, red appears to be a domi- 
nant characteristic. When red corn is crossed with 
white, shades between the red and white are not pro- 
duced and the mixture can only be identified by the 
white grains which may be found in the red or the 
red in the white, since the endosperm in both types 
is white. When red and vellow corns are crossed. 




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46 THE STUDY OF CORN 

the hybrids may be identified as above, and, further, 
by cutting open the grains and observing the color 
of the horny endosperm. 

Number of rows and size of kernel. This is chiefly 
a type or breed characteristic. Ears that have too 
small a number of rows or too wide a kernel, or those 
with too many rows and too narrow a grain, show 
lack of type and purity of breeding. 

Shape of grain as viewed in ear. This refers to the 
size of grain in cross section, or the shape of the caps 
as viewed in ear. Each variety has a characteristic 
shape of grain ; for instance, the grain of the Reid's 
corn is nearly square, and any non-conformity to this 
shape indicates lack of type. 



GENERAL QUALITIES REGARDLESS OF VARIETY 
OR TYPE 

(A) Amount of grain and proportion of grain to 

cob depends upon the following characteristics : 

(1) The weight of ear. As three-fourths or more 
of the weight of an ear is in the grain, an ear which 
is light in weight cannot produce much grain. This 
is one of the best means of selecting high-yielding 
corn; and the ears of light weight should not simply 
be discarded, but those of very heavy, dry weight for 
their size should be selected. 

(2) Depth of kernels in proportion to size of ear. 
Shallow-grained ears produce little corn, and are con- 
sidered an undesirable type for planting. Recent ex- 
periments conducted in several states indicate, though 
they probably do not prove, that ears of extremely 
high per cent of grain are no better, if they are as 










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48 THE STUDY OF CORN 

good, as ears with medium deep grain and with a 
medium high per cent of corn. 

(3) Space between grains, (i) At tips, should be 
small, indicating well-developed kernels. Where the 
space at tips is large, the grains are not well ma- 
tured, are light in weight and poor in composition ; 
(2) at crowns, should be medium narrow and may be 
fairly deep. Some of the early standards in corn 
judging called for an extremely narrow space between 
crowns, but it has been observed in recent years that 
these ears do not dry out well and are apt to be asso- 
ciated with wide space at the cob, light weight and 
poor maturity. 

(4) Filling out of butts and tips of ears. The 
butts and tips should be fairly well filled out, as other- 
wise an unnecessary amount of cob is produced. The 
complete capping over of tips is of little importance. 
The size of ear and its adaptability are of much more 
importance than the capping over of tip, and ears that 
are too small should not be selected simply because 
they are completely filled out at the tip. Ears that are 
too large and too long, with the cob projecting some 
distance, are likewise undesirable. 

(B) Maturity and seed conditions are of first im- 
portance in the study of corn, and may be judged by 
the following characteristics : 

(1) Hardness and solidness of grain and cob. 
Take the ear in both hands and twist it gently, press 
on the grains to see if they can be pressed in. No- 
tice if the cob is hard and solid. If the grain is soft 
•and loose on the cob, it is an indication that it is 
not fully and normally developed. 

(2) Dryness of grain and cob. Ears that are wet 



50 THE STUDY OF CORN 

and sappy are generally immature. This type of ear, 
when dried out later in the season, has a peculiar 
sticky feeling to the hand, which may best be under- 
stood by a comparison of this type of ear with those 
that are hard and well matured. 




BROWN-DUVAL TESTER 

For determining moisture content of grain, 100 grams of grain are 
heated in oil to a temperature of 190° C. This drives off the 
moisture in the grain, and it is condensed in passing through 
the condenser in the rear part of the apparatus and collected in 
the graduates below. 

(3) Weight of ear in proportion to size. The ear 

which is light in weight in proportion to its size is 
not normally matured, and its vitality is apt not to be 
of the best. 

(4) Color of ear and grains, (i) Due to imma- 
turity. A dull, pale, golden yellow, often with a fleck 
of white on the grain in the yellow corn, and a dull 




mi!^^ 




52 



THE STUDY OF CORN 



white in the white corn, are indicative of immaturity. 
Well-matured corn should be bright and have a luster ; 
(2) due to moisture or weather conditions. Ears that 
have laid upon the ground and become wet or have 
been exposed to the weather, have a dull color or 
bleached appearance. The color of the cob should be 
bright. 




The first ear at the left is a deep grained type, although the grains at 
the butt and tip are not as deep as those in the middle of the ear, 
indicating the necessity of studying grains in different parts of 
the ear. The second ear has a very shallow grain and small per 
cent of grain to cob. The third ear has a compact grain, while 
in the fourth the kernels are pointed and there is a large space 
between them next to the ccb. 



(5) Color of germs. The color of the germ should 
be a greenish-yellow or the color of a healthy growing 
shoot before its appearance above ground. Pale or 
light-colored germs commonly found in immatured 







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54 THB STUDY OF CORN 

ears and dark-colored germs are apt to be of low 
vitality and produce plants of little vigor. Black or 
dark-brown germs have been frosted when they con- 
tained too much water, or have rotted and will fail to 
germinate. Germs that sparkle when cut in two con- 
tain a large per cent of moisture and the vitality is 
apt to be destroyed if they are subjected to freezing 
weather when in this condition. 

(6) Blisters, or the wrinkling of the seed coat, are 
caused by excessive moisture, and are indicative of 
the unfavorable conditions under which the corn has 
matured or been stored. 

(7) Cracking of grains. The appearance of cracks 
in the sides of grains is thought to be the result of 
excessive moisture, perhaps accompanied by freezing 
weather. Such grains will usually fail to germinate 
and should never be planted. 

(8) Shape of grains at tip. Grains that are pointed 
at the tip have small germs and are apt to be of low 
vitality. Notice both the thickness and width. In 
this type of grain the scales of the cob often adhere 
to the grain, which is also an indication of immaturity. 

(9) Size of grains. Normal-sized or large grains 
should have good germs with plenty of food stored in 
the endosperm surrounding the germ, but very small, 
thin or papery grains have small germs and a small 
endosperm and are apt to have little vitality. 

(10) Size of germs. The germ is the embryonic 
plant, and if abnormally small is apt to produce a 
plant of little vigor. The size of germ may be esti- 
mated by observing the length and width in the entire 
kernel and the thickness in the lengthwise and cross 
sections. 



If 91 II 91 

ft If M 11 



DIFFERENT TYPES OF KERNELS 

The first pair of kernels at the left in the upper row and the last pair 
in the second row are desirable grains. The second pair in the 
upper row are somewhat pointed and have small germs; the third 
pair are too narrow at the crown, and the fourth pair too pointed 
at the tip. The first pair in the second row are too broad and 
rounded; the second pair narrow and thin, and the third pair are 
of irregular shape. 



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TYPES OF KERNELS INDICATING IMMATURITY AND POOR 

SEED CONDITION 

In the upper row the first pair are broken off at the tip; in the second 
pair the cob chaff adheres and the third pair are rotten. In the 
bottom row the first pair have wrinkled or blistered seed coats, 
and the second and third pairs are very pointed at the tip. 



56 THE STUDY OF CORN 

(11) Freedom from mold and fungus diseases. 
The presence of these diseases is most frequently ob- 
served about the cob and between the grains, and 
indicates that the ear has been stored under unfavor- 
able conditions such as are liable to rot or otherwise 
destroy the life of the germ. 

(12) Freedom from breaking off of tip caps. 
This is an abnormal condition which, it is claimed, more 
or less exposes the germ, making it more liable to 
rot if the weather or drainage conditions are unfavor- 
able. In the germination-box these grains frequently 
grow and produce vigorous stalks. If the grain breaks 
off above the tip cap so as to break the germ in two, 
its germinating qualities are destroyed. 

(13) Freedom from attack of insects and other 
injury. Among the most common of the insects which 
attack corn in the ear are the ear w^orm, which feeds 
on the ear beneath the husks, and the angoumois grain 
moth, which attacks the stored grain. While the ear 
worm does considerable damage to corn, the injury is 
plainly visible on the ear and the injured grains may 
be discarded, when the remaining grains will be as 
valuable for planting as though the ear had not been 
injured. Little importance should therefore be given 
to slight attacks of this insect. The angoumois grain 
moth is a dusty-winged moth about three-eighths of 
an inch in length, which lays its eggs in the spaces 
between the rows ; when the larvc-e or worm is hatched 
it starts at the tip of the grain and eats its way toward 
the crown, and when almost to the surface it pupates. 
A few days later the adult moth pushes the covering- 
cap off and emerges. The work of these insects may 
be recognized by the holes, about as big as a pin, which 




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58 THE STUDY OF CORN 

they leave on the crown or sides of the kernel. Corn 
which has been attacked by these insects should be 
scored heavily, as the germinating- qualities of the de- 
fective kernels have been destroyed or seriously af- 
fected, and there is little certainty as to the per cent 
•of grains affected. The presence of these insects in- 
dicates, though it does not prove, that the corn is not 
•of the current season's growth. 

Other injuries, such as broken grains, if they do not 
affect the value of the grain for planting purposes, or 
if they affect only a small per cent of the grain, should 
not be considered of much importance. 

Of the above qualities, the first four and the eighth 
may be considered as fairly sure indications as to 
the maturity. Aside from the black germs and the 
serious cracking of grains or the destruction of the 
germ, these qualities must not be considered as posi- 
tive evidence as to whether corn will germinate, but 
rather as an indication as to the life history of the 
plant and the probability as to whether its seeds will 
■grow or produce vigorous plants. The best means of 
determining the germinating qualities is the germi- 
nation test, which is discussed on page 82. 

(C) Uniformity of grains. The grains should be 
uniform in size and shape, so that an even distribution 
may be had from the planter. Observe whether the 
grains are uniform in size from butt to tip, whether 
the rows are straight, and whether there are any 
grains of irregular shape. Also notice whether the 
•grains in the several ears of an exhibit are uniform in 
size and shape. 

(D) Composition. Dr. C. G. Hopkins and his as- 
sistants at the Illinois experiment station, who have 




94»-« f 




# • 



THIS ILLUSTRATION SHOWS SOME OF THE PARTS OF 
THE KERNEL 

The top row of grains are from a dent ear whose kernels have large 
germs and large horny parts, and are relatively rich in protein 
and oil ; the second row of kernels has small germs and are 
starchy and low in protein and oil content; the third row shows 
the structure of a kernel of Flint Corn ; the fourth that of the 
Brazilian Flour Corn, which is of the soft corn type; while the 
bottom row shows the structure of Sweet Corn. (For discussion 
of these types see pages 11 to 16.) 



60 THE STUDY OF CORN 

made a careful study of the composition of the corn 
kernel, divide the grain into six parts, namely, tip 
cap, hull, horny gluten, horny starch, white starch 
and germ, the definition and composition of which are 
given below. 

The tip cap is a small cap covering the tip of the 
kernel and acting as a protection to the germ. It 
occasionally remains attached to the cob and leaves the 
end of the germ exposed. It may be readily removed 
by lifting it with a knife. Its composition resembles 
that of the cob. 

The hull is the thin outer covering of the kernel, 
which is made up of several coats or layers of cells 
which are closely united in the matured grain. It may 
readily be removed with a knife after the grain has 
been soaked in water a few minutes. It consists 
larsrelv of carbohvdrates in the form of crude fiber, 
which is of little feeding value. 

The horny gluten or the aleurone layer is an inner 
covering of the grain, somewhat thicker than the hull. 
This part may be seen as the thin yellow covering 
over the crown of yellow kernels after the hull has 
been removed ; that is, it lies between the white starch 
and the hull. On the sides of the grain where it ad- 
joins the horny starch, it is difficult to distinguish it 
from the latter part. It is the richest in protein of 
any part of the grain, as shown in the accompanying 
tables. 

The horny starch is located mainly at the edges of 
the grain and on the side opposite the germ. With 
the horny gluten it makes up the hard horny part 
of the grain. It is composed largely of carbohydrates, 
but is richer in protein than the white starchy part. 



THE JUDGING AND SELECTION OF CORN 



6l 



The white starch occupies the crown end of the 
kernel and Hes back of the germ and at the tip end 
of the kernel, the crown and tip starch usually being 
connected by a thin layer of white starch through the 
middle of the kernel. The white starch analyzes the 
highest in carbohydrates and the lowest in protein 
and oil of any of the four main parts of the grain, 
and is therefore the poorest in feeding value. 

The germ is the embryonic plant and lies on the 
side of the grain toward the tip of the ear, usually 
extending from the tip of grain ^ to 2/3 the length 
of the kernel. By carefully making a lengthwise section 
with a knife, the embryonic stem pointing toward the 
crown and the embryonic root pointing toward the tip 
may be distinguished from the remaining portion. 

The composition of these parts is given in the table 
below : 



* TABLE V— Showing Analysis of the Parts of Kernels 
— (Medium Protein Ear) 







Composition of Parts 


Names 

OF 

Parts 


St 






2 S 

4 e ?; 


Tip caps 


..46 

5.93 
5.12 
32.80 
11.85 
5.91 
11.53 
25.40 


8.83 

3.96 

22.50 

10.20 

7.92 

7.68 

19.80 

11.10 

10.95 


2.30 
.89 

6.99 

.24 

.17 

.39 

34.84 

1.23 

4.33 


1.11 
.79 

1.72 
.24 
.24 
.31 

9.90 
.57 

1.55 


87.76 


Hulls . . . 


94.36 


Horny gluten 

Horny starch 

Crown starch 

Tip starch 


69.09 
89.32 
91.67 
91.62 
35.46 


Mixed waste 

Whole corn 


87.10 
83.17 



* From Bulletin No. 87, Illinois Experiment Station. 



62 



THE STUDY OF CORN 



* TABLE VI— Showing Distribution of Material in 100 lbs. 
of Corn — (Medium Protein Ear) 



Names 

OF 

Parts 


Is, 


ill 




No. of lbs. 
Ash in 

100 lbs. Corn 
(by parts) 




Tip caps . . 


1.46 
5.93 
8.51 

47.08 

17.01 
8.48 

11.53 
100.00 

..... 


.13 

.22, 

1.89 

4.80 

1.35 

.65 

2.28 

11.33 

10.95 


.03 

.05 

.59 

.11 

.03 

.03 

4.02 

4.86 

4.33 


.02 

.05 

.15 

.11 

.04 

.03 

1.14 

1.54 

1.55 


1.28 


Hulls 


5.60 


Horny gluten 

Horny starch 

Crown starch 

Tip starch 


5.88 
42.05 
15.59 

7.77 


Germs 


4.09 


Total 

Whole corn 


82.26 
83.17 



* TABLE VII— Showing Analysis of Parts of Kernels Me- 
dium Protein Ear — (Compiled from Table V) 







Composition of Parts 


Names 

OF 

Parts 


CI, CI, 




■si 


Carbo- 
hydrates 
Per cent 


Tio caps .... 


1.46 

5.93 

37.92 

17.76 

11.53 


8.83 

3.96 

11.86 

7.84 

19.80 

10.95 


2.30 
.89 

1.15 

.24 

34.84 

4.33 


1.10 

.79 

.44 

.26 

9.90 

1.55 


87.76 


Hulls 


94.36 


Horny part 

White part 


89.22 
91.65 
35.46 


Whole corn 


83.17 



It will be seen from a study of Table VII that the 
germ contains 19.80 per cent protein and 34.84 per 
cent oil, the horny or hard part of the kernel 11.86 
per cent protein and 1.15 per cent oil, while the 

* From Bulletin No. 87, Illinois Experiment Station, 



THE JUDGING AND SELECTION OF CORN 63. 

white, soft portion contains only 7.84 per cent protein 
and .24 per cent oil. Those grains, therefore, which 
have a large horny portion and a large germ are rela- 
tively rich in protein, while those having large germs 
are relatively rich in oil. 

The relative size of the several parts and therefore 
the approximate composition of the grain may be de- 
termined by mechanical examination. Notice the 
length and width of germ before cutting the kernel, 
and then cut through the grain lengthwise and cross- 
wise to determine the thickness of germ and the 
amount of horny endosperm. The relative size of 
these parts will be found to vary somewhat in the 
grains of the same ear, and several grains as repre- 
sentative of each ear should be examined and com- 
pared with those from other ears. 

(E) The shank should be large enough to support 
the ear, the small shank being responsible for a large 
per cent of the poorly developed ears in certain va- 
rieties of corn. On the other hand, the shank should 
not be unnecessarily large so as to make the corn diffi- 
cult to husk. For normal-sized ears a shank 5-8 inch 
in diameter appears to be about right. 

Comparison of Characteristics of Ears, Using 
Comparison Sheet "B," select five good ears of 
somewhat similar type and designate by letters. 
Rank the ears in each of the qualities mentioned 
in the list and mark the order in the columns to the 
right. For instance, starting with shape of ear, pick 
out the ear which has the best shape and mark the 
letter which is used to designate it in the first column, 
the second best in the second column, etc., paying no 
attention whatever to the other characteristics. After 



64 THE STUDY OF CORN 

completing the study of shape of ear, take up the 
next point — size of ear, and so on. Do not consider 
those quahties that are subdivided, that is the gen- 
eral headings in the comparison sheet, but the sepa- 
rate divisions, and afterward the summaries of these 
under the totals. 

RELATIVE VALUE OF THE CHARACTERISTICS 
OF CORNi 

Adaptability. The adaptability of any variety or 
selection to the soil and climatic conditions under 
which it is to be grown is of prime importance. Corns 
which are introduced from a distant locality where the 
conditions are radically different cannot be expected 
as a usual thing to do well the first few years after 
introduction and should not be planted in a field way 
until after they have been tested for two or more 
years in small plots. Even varieties that have been 
grown in the locality for years are frequently not 
adapted to the local conditions, in being too late or 
too early a type, or unsuited to the soil. 

At the present status of corn production in most of 
the corn-growing sections of the United States, the 
adaptability should take first rank as to the importance 

1 After the student has become familiar with the several 
characteristics of corn and their corelation and the signifi- 
cance of each, he must know something as to the relative 
importance of these several qualities before he can intelli- 
gently judge between individual ears as units. In the 
laboratory this information may best be gained through 
lectures and private instruction, but to the student who is 
working without a competent instructor, the score-cards 
and the descriptive matter on the relative value of charac- 
teristics of corn will be a valuable aid. 



THE JUDGING AND SELECTION OF CORN 65 

of the several qualities, although, as already intimated, 
frequent exception will be found in the comparison 
of certain samples. 

The best means of judging the adaptability between 
varieties or selections is by comparative field tests. 
The adaptability may best be judged in the ear by the 
size of ear in relation to length of season and by 
dryness and hardness of ear ; weight of ear ; bright- 
ness of color and other qualities indicative of its 
maturity. 

Seed Condition. The seed condition, which includes 
the germination of the seed and the vigor of the re- 
sulting plant, which depends largely upon the ma- 
turity of the seed, is probably second in importance 

The student is frequently inclined to ask which is the 
more important of two minor characteristics, when he 
could answer the question for himself by considering the 
significance of the deficiencies at hand and looking for 
other qualities, which, together, would show one ear the 
better in more important characteristics, such as adapta- 
bility, seed condition, type, etc. 

For instance, instead of attempting to decide whether 
a slight deficiency in shape of kernel is more objectionable 
than a slight mixture in color, the student should look for 
other indications of maturity and poor seed condition and 
of impurity of breeding. Perhaps in the one ear, besides 
the deficiency in shape of grain, we may find a slight de- 
ficiency in weight, softness of grain on the cob and the 
dull color of the immature ear, while in the second ear we may 
find the mixture of color confined to a few grains at the 
tip, which were fertilized by a late maturing plant, the 
color of the remainder of the grains and the color of the 
cob, and, in fact, all other qualities are characteristic of the 
variety. Little difficulty would be experienced in making 
a choice between the two ears after this study had been 
made. 



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68 THE STUDY OF CORN 

to adaptability. Although the last few years have 
seen a marked improvement in this respect, a large 
per cent of the corn acreage in the United States is 
still planted with seed of poor germinating qualities, 
which largely accounts for the poor stand and the 
large per cent of unproductive plants. 

In studying samples of very low germinating quali- 
ties, the seed condition may frequently be of first im- 
portance ; but in comparing well-matured and well- 
preserved samples, it may be found of very little im- 
portance. 

In the average sample the best indications of ma- 
turity are hardness and dryness of ear, weight of ear, 
color of ear, shape of grains at tip and size of germs. 

Among the best indications as to the seed condi- 
tion due to storage conditions are color of germs, 
color of ear, blisters, cracking of grains and freedom 
from mold. 

Amount of Grain and Proportion of Grain to Cob 
as Indicative of the Yield. This quality should prob- 
ably be given third importance in the average sample, 
but it may take a much higher or occasionally a lower 
rank in the study of certain samples. 

Many corn growers fail to realize that the large- 
cobbed, shallow-grained varieties which they are grow- 
ing and which perhaps fill up the crib rapidly, are 
small producers of grain. Perhaps the best means of 
judging this quality is the dry weight of the ear. 
Other valuable points to be considered are the depth 
of grains; spaces between rows and grains; and the 
filling of butts and tips. 

Uniformity and Trueness to Type. Of value in 
showing the purity of type and the selection and breed- 



THE JUDGING AND SELECTION OF CORN 69 

ing which the strains have had. While mistakes have 
doubtless been made in the past in the selection of 
corn, the strain or variety which has been selected to 
a definite type will almost invariably be found better 
if adapted to the conditions under which it is grown 
than the strain which has had no breeding and is lack- 
ing in type. Its importance among the different char- 
acteristics is seldom lower than fourth, and frequently 
higher. 

Uniformity of Grains. While the uniformity of 
grains in size and shape was of comparatively little 
importance in early days when corn was planted by 
hand and thinned to the required stand, it is of much 
importance under modern methods of planting. A 
missing hill or a missing plant here or there may ac- 
count for a loss of several bushels per acre in the 
yield. In order to get an even stand and the proper 
thickness of stand, it is necessary to have a grade of 
corn which is fairly even in size and shape of grain, 
and it is important not only to make as even a grade 
as possible, by the use of the grader, but to seek per- 
manent improvement in this respect by selection and 
breeding. 

Composition. While serious objection should be 
made to corns whose kernels are very starchy and 
contain small germs and little horny endosperm, the 
composition in the average sample of corn is of minor 
importance compared to the qualities mentioned 
above. It may be that special demands will in the 
future justify the breeding of corns high in protein, 
oil or starch content, but, under the present conditions, 
it is thought that breeding or selection to change the 
composition has little practical importance, especially 



70 THE STUDY OF CORN 

if this should be accompanied with the lowering of 
the yield per acre. 

Shank. In the average sample of corn the shank is 
of little importance as compared to any of the above 
qualities. However, in a few varieties the very small, 
long shank or the very large shank is responsible for 
a material loss in the yield and quality of product or 
in the cost of harvesting. 

The following comparison sheet (pages 'J2 and 73), 
which is used in the agricultural extension work of the 
Ohio State University, gives a concise statement of the 
more important points to be considered in seed-corn 
selection, and will be found to be of value to the 
farmer or student who can devote but little time to 
the study of corn. 

For explanation of the several qualities mentioned 
see discussion of the same points elsewhere in this 
text. 

The following score-card (pages 74 and 75), which 
is the score-card adopted by the Ohio State University 
and the Ohio Experiment Station, is submitted here 
chiefly for the purpose of showing approximately the 
average relative value of the more important points to 
be considered in the judging of corn. A little practise 
in scoring with this card will be of value in gaining 
familiarity with these points and with the score-card 
system of judging. The score-card may be used for 
scoring ten ears or ten samples of corn. 

Comparison judging of ears in samples. After 
studying several samples of corn by use of comparison 
sheets A and B, the student should be familiar with 
the detailed structure of an ear of corn and be able 
to recognize each of these points, their importance and 



THE JUDGING AND SELECTION OF CORN 7I 

their strength or deficiencies almost unconsciously and 
without following through any systematic arrange- 
ment of points. The next step and the most important 
of all is to train the judgment in the selection of ears 
as units, basing this selection upon an analytical and 
detailed study when necessary. Comparison sheet 
D has been prepared for recording the rank of ears 
in the samples.^ 

The method of procedure in this exercise is im- 
portant. The student as he begins to examine a 
sample is able to see each ear as a unit and make a 
general summary of its qualities, which is usually ap- 
proximately correct. After a careful examination has 
been made of several of the characteristics, it is fre- 

1 This exercise will be found to be one of the best means 
of training the judgment in the practical selection of corn, 
and much time should be devoted to it. The work 
should be varied by the provision of samples of different 
varieties, of strains representing the standard of different 
breeders, and samples showing the types adapted to dif- 
ferent soil and climatic conditions. 

The samples should be judged by the instructor before 
the laboratory period begins and built up in such a way 
as to leave no doubt as to the correct order of placing. A 
part of the laboratory period may be devoted to a placing 
of the ears in the samples, when the correct placings are 
given the students and the remainder of the period devoted 
to a review of the work already done. Or the instructor 
may devote a part of the time to a general discussion of 
the placing of certain samples and the reasons for the same. 

In placing the ears in the samples it will avoid much 
confusion and add interest to the work to allow a definite 
period for the placing of each sample, requiring the stu- 
dents to pass around the table in regular order. The gra- 
ding of papers may be facilitated by the use of grade sheet 
found on page 85. 



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74 THE STUDY OF CORN 

EXPLANATION OF SCORE-CARD 
1. Adaptability 

Indicated by the size and maturity of ear. The size of ear should de- 
pend largely upon location (latitude), soil, rainfall and climatic condi- 
tions. Corn should be large and late enough in maturing to utilize 
practically all of the growing season, but it should not be so large and 
late a type as to fail of maturity during the average season. The maturity 
may be judged by the hardness and solidity of ear, the weight of ear in 
proportion to size, the brightness of color, the plumpness of grain at tip, 
and the size and color of germ. 

2. Seed Condition 

Determined largely by the maturity as indicated above, and also by 
the storage conditions. Corn which has been exposed to the weather 
■often has a bleached appearance, or it may show evidence of mold or 
fungus diseases, or the seed coat may be wrinkled, causing blisters. 
Germs which have been frozen while containing a large per cent of 
water are usually black. 

3. Shape of Kernel 

Kernels should be full and plump at the tip, and broaden gradually 
from tip to crown, with the edges straight, so that they touch the full 
length. Thin, shrunken, sharp-pointed kernels are especially objectionable. 

4. Uniformity and Trueness of Type 

The ears should be uniform in size, shape, indentation and size of 
kernel. Uniformity or trueness to the type determined upon is essential 
to progress in corn improvement. Uniformity of kernels is essential to 
machine planting. 

5. Weight of Ear 

The weight of ear, and the weight of ear in proportion to size, are 
valuable means of judging corn that is thoroughly air dry, or in corn- 
paring ears of like moisture content. When the stand and other condi- 
tions of growth are equal, weight of ear is one of the best indications of 
productiveness. 

6. Length and Proportion 

Length will vary according to environment. No standard can be set 
by the score card save that set by maturity and proportion. Circum- 
ference is measured at one-third the distance from butt to tip. In nor- 
mal-sized ears it should not exceed four-fifths, nor fall below three- 
fourths the length. 

7. Color of Grain and Cob 

Color of grain and cob is of importance, mainly as an indication of 
the purity of breeding. Grains which are off color, and tints in the 
grain or cob which vary from the standard, indicate mixture and lack of 
breeding and type. 

8. Butts and Tips 

Kernels should extend in regular rows over the butt and against the 
shank. The shank, however, should have sufficient size to support the 
ear. Swelled, open or badly compressed butts, as well as those having 
kernels of irregular size are objectionable. The tips should have kernels 
of even size, well dented and preferably in regular rows._ An under- 
sized ear is more objectionable with a completely capped tip than with 
a little bare cob. A sharply tapering tip is not desirable. 



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*J^ THE STUDY OF CORN 

quently impossible to get a fair idea of the ear as 
a whole, the mind seeming to be preoccupied by those 
characteristics that have been examined in detail. The 
following rules for judging will be found to be help- 
ful: 

Pick up one of the ears and without looking for 
anything in particular you should get an idea of its 
appearance, type, weight, firmness, maturity, etc. You 
may not stop to think what, in particular, is good or 
bad about the ear, except in a very general way, but 
it impresses you as a good ear or as a poor ear or 
as a fair or medium ear. If a good ear as compared 
with the others lay it over to the right, if a ppor one 
to the left, and if a medium one give it an inter- 
mediate position. Pick up the next ear and examine 
it in a similar way and so on through the sample. 
You have a better idea now as to how good the sample 

One of the most common and most serious mistakes 
made by the student, especially the beginner, is in judging 
almost entirely by means of the eye and in not training 
the hand. The hand, if properly trained, will be found to 
be as good and frequently the better means of selection of 
the two. 

In order to train the hand in the selection of seed corn, 
it is well to practise for a while the ranking of ears entirely 
by the hand, then carefully studying the sample with the 
eye. Some of the things to be observed in the hand selec- 
tion are the weight of ear, hardness and solidness of ear, 
sound of ear as caught in the hand, and the feel of the ear 
to the sense of touch. 

These points are indicative of the adaptability, maturity, 
seed condition and the amount of corn — some of the most 
important points to be considered in seed-corn selection, 
and points that are frequently overlooked when the hands 
are not trained to judge them. 



THE JUDGING AND SELECTION OF CORN 7/ 

is. Go over it again in a similar manner and see if 
your first arrangement is satisfactory. 

If your first impression does not indicate much dif- 
ference between certain ears, do not be particular about 
the placing, but get the ranking approximately cor- 
rect, according to the first impression. These two or 
three examinations should not require more than one- 
half to one minute for a five-ear sample. In judging 
most samples, there are some decisions that can be 
readily made, some ears perhaps that will easily take 
first rank and some that can as readily be put at the 
bottom of the list. 

The decisions that can be made most easily should 
always be made first, and then plenty of time devoted 
to the more difficult decisions. After this preliminary 
arrangement of sample, take out some of the grains 
and examine the ears carefully, first comparing the 
first and second, then the second and third, and so on, 
rearranging them if necessary. Never attempt to 
compare more than two ears at the same time. If a 
choice between certain ears is found to be difficult, 
write down all the points in which one ear excels the 
other and whether these differences are slight, medium 
or large. Then write down the points in which the 
second ear excels the first; then if these points are 
grouped under type, amount and proportion of grain, 
seed condition, etc., and are balanced with each other, 
little difficulty will generally be found in coming to 
a satisfactory decision. 

Comparison judging of samples in groups. The 
judging of samples in groups or classes, as in a 
corn show, should be done by practically the same 
method as the selection of ears in samples. The 



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THE JUDGING AND SELECTION OF CORN 8 1 

should include uniformity in size and shape of ear, 
color, indentation, number of rows, size and shape of 
grain, and, in fact, all characteristics of the ear. 

WINTER SELECTION OF SEED CORN 

The progressive farmer will pick his seed corn in 
the fall, either from the standing stalk or from the 
ear corn, as husked, and put it in a dry, well-venti- 
lated room, where it will dry out before freezing 
weather. More than sufficient corn for the next sea- 
son's crop should be saved so as to afford an op- 
portunity for further selection. This selection should 
be made in late winter, after the corn has dried out 
and has passed through the most severe of the winter 
weather and before the rush of the spring's work 
begins. 

On most farms the month of February is found to 
be a convenient and satisfactory time for this work. 
The corn should be taken from the racks upon which 
it has been stored and placed upon tables or benches 
in a warm, light room. Never attempt to select seed 
corn in the barn on a winter's day, but take it to 
the house, where you will be comfortable, and where 
you can devote your entire attention to the study of 
the corn. Be sure that the room is well lighted, with 
natural light, choosing a bright day and working only 
in the middle of the day if necessary. 

GERMINATION OF CORN 

Many ways of making a germinator and conducting 
the test have been suggested, the choice of which will 
depend largely upon the convenience of the operator. 
The essential features are that the corn be kept in a 
moist condition, that the temperature be kept above 



82 THE STUDY OF CORN 

freezing and that the grains from each ear be placed 
in a separate check or pocket so that its identity with 
the ear shall not be lost. 

A hand-made sand germinator which has proven 
very satisfactory may be made as follows : Make a flat 
box 3x20x30 inches, inside measure, and fill nearly full 
with moist sand, and then mark into squares two inches 
across by a cord which is passed around nails driven 
in the sides of the box, the checks in the first row be- 
ginning in one end are numbered i to 10, second 11 
to 20, etc. After placing six grains from each ear in 
their respective checks another half-inch of moist sand 
is used to cover the corn. If, in any check, all of the 
grains do not grow, or if the sprouts do not show 
sufficient vigor, the corresponding ear should be dis- 
carded. A week to ten days' time is usually required 
to make a germination test with a sand germinator. 

If it is desired to make several tests in the same 
germinator in a short time, the sawdust germinator 
will be found more efficient. This germinator may be 
made and operated as follows: Make a box 3x20x30 
inches, inside measure, fill one-half full with old saw- 
dust which has been thoroughly moistened (preferably 
sterilized by boiling), then cover with a piece of white 
cloth marked into two-inch squares and numbered as 
above. After placing the grain from the several ears 
in their respective checks, cover with another piece of 
cloth and tack at the corners, then lay on a 
third piece of cloth which is large enough to extend 
up over the edges of the box and fill the remainder 
of the box with moist sawdust, taking care to see that 
it is well firmed, especially about the corners. 

After three to six days, depending upon the tern- 



THE JUDGING AND SELECTION OF CORN 83 

perature of the room, the corn should show vigorous 
sprouts, when the upper layer of sawdust should be 
removed by lifting the upper cloth, after which the 
second cloth should be carefully pulled back so as not 
to disturb the grains. If, in any check, one or more 
grains fail to germinate,, or if the sprouts do not show a 
vigorous growth, the corresponding ear should be dis- 
carded, but these ears should not be thrown out at once, 
but simply pulled out a little so that the order of the 
ears may be preserved until the remainder of the test is 
studied and checked over the second time if necessary. 
After the corn has been placed on the tables and 
all the ears of low germinating quality discarded, the 
process of selecting the best ears should be much the 
same as that already described for the selection of 
ears and samples. It is best to make the preliminary 
selection by the "first impression," going back and 
forth over the corn several times to place the ears in 
their approximate rank before taking out many grains 
or making a detailed study. Then take several grains 
from each ear and make a careful comparison of all 
the best ears, considering the adaptability, maturity, 
seed condition, type and other points. Pick out enough 
ears to furnish the required amount of seed and dis- 
card the remainder or lay it aside for emergency. 

HOW TO SHELL AND GRADE CORN FOR 
PLANTING 

Shell ofif from butt and tip of ear all grains which 
are irregular in shape or larger or smaller than the 
type determined upon. Pick out from the remainder 
all the irregular or undesirable grains. If the size of 
grain varies somewhat on the different ears, grade ac- 



84 THE STUDY OF CORN 

cording to size of grain and shell and plant each 
grade separately, shelling by hand so as to avoid crack- 
ing of grains. 

Shell each ear in a dish by itself and discard all 
ears which have very pointed, badly discolored, 
cracked, mixed or otherwise undesirable grains. Use 
a corn grader to make a still more uniform grade of 
grains. In order to test the grading and also the 
adjustment of the planter to your corn, make a cali- 
bration test of your planter. 

To do this, block up one end of the axle and turn 
the wheel slowly, pulling back the trip that the chain 
passes through at regular intervals, but not more than 
twice for each revolution of the wheel. Count the num- 
ber of times the required number of grains are dropped. 
If the proper number of grains are not dropped 85 
times out of 100, the corn should be more carefully 
graded or different plates substituted in the planter. 

All the possible placings of five ears are given in the 
table on opposite page. In order to use the grade sheet 
compare the student's placing with the correct placing 
and transpose the placing to numerals based upon i, 2, 
3, 4, 5 as correct placing. Example : if A, D, E, C, B 
should be the correct placing for a sample and a stu- 
dent should place it D, E, C, A, B, the student has 
placed D, which should have been second, first; there- 
fore, put down 2 for the first rank ; the student has 
placed E, which should have been third, second ; there- 
fore, put down 3 for the second rank ; C, which should 
have been fourth, is placed third, so 4 is put down for 
third rank, and so on, when the student's placing trans- 
posed will be 2, 3, 4, I, 5, the grade for which may 
be read directly from the grade sheet. 



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CHAPTER III 

FIELD SELECTION OF CORN 

Environment. Plants develop largely according 
to their environment, such as fertility of soil, moisture, 
climatic conditions and thickness of stand, etc. The 
soil is always more or less uneven, due to differences 
in slope, elevation, texture, sub-soil, previous cropping, 
treatment, etc. But most serious of all as regards the 
field selection of corn is the unevenness of stand, w^hich 
gives certain plants two to six times as much plant 
food, moisture, and sunlight as those in a normal 
stand. 

The large production of these plants is not inherited 
by the progeny unless grown under equally favorable 
conditions. The desirable type of plant is the one 
which will produce a good ear under crowded or un- 
favorable conditions, whose high-yielding qualities are 
inherent and will be transmitted to the progeny. After 
an ear has been separated from the stalk and its en- 
vironmental conditions, it can no longer be told to 
what extent its size, weight and other desirable con- 
ditions are inherited, and to what extent due to en- 
vironment. 

No doubt the great majority of the ears selected 
after husking owe their appearance, in part at least, 
to the fact that the mother plants have had more 
favorable conditions than the average. That the ear 
which is carefully selected in the field is more val- 
uable than the ear selected after husking has been 

86 



FIELD SELECTION OF CORN 87 

demonstrated by Mr. C. G. Williams, of the Ohio Ex- 
periment Station, as shown in the table below. The 
ears selected in the field were taken only from hills 
with three plants, that were surrounded by full hills 
on every side, while the ordinary selection was made 
from the wagon at the time of husking. 

TABLE VIII 
Plant Selection vs. Ordinary Selection 

Bushels 

Av. yield per acre of 4 plant selection plots 1906 72.49 

Av. yield per acre of 4 ordinary selection plots 1906 69.26 

Av. gain for plant selection 3.23 

Av. yield per acre of 10 plant selection plots 1907. . . 89.04 
Av. yield per acre of 10 ordinary selection plots 1907 84.64 

Av. gain for plant selection 4.40 

Av. yield per acre of plant selection plots '06-'07. . . . 80.76 
Av. yield per acre of plant selection plots '06-'07. . . . 76.95 

Av. gain for plant selection '06-'07 3.81 

TIME TO SELECT SEED CORN FROM FIELD 

When to select. The best time to select the seed 
corn from the field is as the corn is nearing maturity 
and some of the plants are nearly or quite mature 
and others somewhat immature, as shown by the de- 
velopment of the grain and the greenness of the leaves. 

If the variety is found to be too late in maturing 
for the average season, select some of the more ad- 
vanced ears ; or if too early to utilize the entire grow- 
ing season, select some of the later maturing ears. 

Opportunity is offered at this particular time to 
study not only the maturity and adaptability of the 
plant, but the character of stalk and foliage, the height 



THE STUDY OF CORN 



EXPLANATION OF SCORE-CARD 



Adaptability 



Plants must be adapted to the average soil and seasonal 
conditions prevailing in the locality. Corn that is too late 
or too early in maturing, or that shows lack of adapta- 
bility to conditions, should be cut accordingly. 

Vigor 

Evidences of vigor are shown by uprightness of stalk, by 
the development of stalk, leaf and ear, and by freedom 
from disease. In marking for vigor note carefully the con- 
ditions of growth. 

Height of Plant and Height and Angle of Ear 

Cut for extremes in the case of both plant and ear. The 
ear should turn down at maturity. 

Uniformity 

Uniformity of plant and ear, and manner of growth, 
height of plant, ear, etc., and conformity to type deter- 
mined upon. 

Weight of Ear 

While the weight of ear can only be estimated at the 
time selections are made, it is a point to take into considera- 
tion in selecting for high yield, if the conditions of growth 
are noted. 



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90 THE STUDY OF CORN 

and angle of ear and other characteristics which should 
be considered in the field selection of corn. 

The following score-card (page 89), which has been 
adopted by the Ohio State University, the Ohio Experi- 
ment Station, and the Ohio Corn Improvement Asso- 
ciation, is suggestive of some of the more important 
characteristics to be considered in the field selection of 
corn : 

RULES FOR FIELD SELECTION OF CORN 

(i) Choose only those plants which have a normal 
amount of soil and sunlight, no matter how vigorous 
they may appear or how large and well-formed ears 
they produce. The plant which is able to produce the 
normal ear under crowded conditions is to be preferred 
■over the one with a large ear, whose size and de- 
velopment are due to the fact that there are vacant 
spaces next to the plant allowing it more plant food 
and sunlight. 

(2) Choose plants that are well adapted to the soil 
and climatic conditions, as judged by the vigor of 
growth and the earliness or lateness of maturity. Corn 
which does not utilize practically the entire growing 
season, or corn which is not well matured in a season 
of average length, is not adapted to the climatic con- 
ditions. 

Corn which has been changed from poor land to 
rich land is apt to show its lack of adaptability by 
the smallness of stalks and plants, by its early ma- 
turity and by the appearance of the ears. Corn which 
has been changed from fertile soil to thin land is 
apt to attempt to make too large a growth and to 
fail of the proper development of the ear. 



FIELD SELECTION OF CORN 9I 

(3) Select plants which are of vigorous, healthy 
growth, as evidenced by the size of stalk, width of 
leaf, color of leaf and freedom from disease. 

(4) Do not select ears from stalks which show a 
marked tendency to produce suckers. The suckering 
of the corn plant is doubtless of considerable economic 
value in thickening the stand when too thin, but the 
plant which produces several suckers in a good stand 
and normal season is not to be desired, as the suckers 
rob the plant of food and moisture the same as weeds, 
and seldom produce an ear of any value, 

(5) Select ears only from standing stalks. In some 
varieties, practically every season, and in most va- 
rieties in certain seasons, large losses occur from the 
weakness of the stalk. The ability of the stalk to 
stand upright has been shown to be an hereditary char- 
acter. By the selection of ears from those stalks 
which stand upright, the variety may be improved in 
this regard. 

(6) Select ears which appear at the proper height 
on the stalk and which are heavy enough to turn down 
at maturity. The Illinois station, in six generations 
of breeding, produced from the same variety high 
and low ear strains which differed from each other 
nearly 3 feet in the average height of ear, showing 
that this characteristic is hereditary and that it is pos- 
sible to breed to any desired height or ear. 

(7) Select plants which have one good ear each 
rather than those that have two or more inferior ears. 
The maximum production of grain per acre can doubt- 
less be as easily reached with one ear per stalk as with 
more, and the cost of harvesting is materially increased 
in the selection for the latter type. 




THIS ILLUSTRATION SHOWS SEVERAL TYPES OF CORN PLANTS 



The first at the left shows a vigorous growth and good ear attached to a 
normal shank. The second plant has too long a shank, which 
is apt to be broken off or twisted so as to prevent the sap of the 
plant going to the ear, to complete its development. The third 
plant represents the type which has a tall, slender stalk with nar- 
row yellowish-green leaves, and a very small, poorly developed 
ear. The fourth plant shows a vigorous growth of stalk and 
leaf, but has produced no ear. The fifth plant is undesirable be- 
cause of its abnormal height of stalk and ear. The last plant to 
the right has been attacked by smut and has failed in the pro- 
duction of an ear. 



FIELD SELECTION OF CORN 93 

In the breeding of a strain of corn to be used ex- 
clusively for silage or for feeding on the stalk the 
size of ear is of little importance, so long as the pro- 
duction of grain and forage is satisfactory, some pre- 
ferring the prolific or many-eared type. 

(8) Select ears that are heavy. While weight of 
ear can only be estimated at the time selections are 
made, and while the moisture content of ears will vary 
considerably, the weight of ear is a valuable point to 
take into consideration as an indication of high yield, 
if the uniformity of the stand is considered, as sug- 
gested above, and only those plants selected which 
have no vacant spaces adjacent to them. 

(9) Select ears of normal size and fairly short 
shanks. In some varieties the shanks are extremely 
small and rather long, so that the ears are blown about 
by the wind and broken off in harvesting. Most of 
these ears drop to the ground and rot, or at least 
fail of perfect maturity and seed condition. For nor- 
mal-sized ears the shank should be about ^ inch 
in diameter. Smaller shanks are too small to prop- 
erly support the ear, and larger ones make it difficult 
to husk the corn. 

(10) Partially pull the husk from one side of ear 
and consider the general character of ear, as discussed 
in Chapter II, so as to avoid the selection of many 
ears which would have to be discarded later. 

(11) Uniformity in type. By considering the ear 
in connection with the rest of the plant, there is no 
better place to select for uniform type of plant and 
ear than in the field. Select plants of a uniform height, 
maturity, ear, etc. 

As field selection of corn should be made at about 



94 THE STUDY OF CORN 

the time of maturity or the time the leaves become 
dry and the grain passes from the dough to the mature 
stage, it is not best to pick the ear from the stalk, as 
the sap of the stalk is of much value in the proper 
development of the ear. 

The ears may be selected and marked by a piece of 
cloth or otherwise, so that these ears may be noticed 
at the time of husking. Or, what is perhaps a more 
satisfactory way, is to cut the stalk at the time the 
selection is made and carry all such stalks to the edge 
of the field and place in separate shocks. This corn 
may then be husked as soon as it is dry enough and 
properly stored without waiting for the husking of 
the remainder of the field. 



INDEX 



PAGE 

Adaptability of Corn... 17, 64, 90 
Amount of Grain and Propor- 
tion of Grain to Cob. .46, 68 

Butts and Tips of Ears 48 

Characteristics of Corn — Rela- 
tive Value of 64 

Color of Ear 42 

Due to Immaturity 50 

Comparison Judging of Corn.. 

35, 63, 70, n 

Comparison Sheet A 36, 37 

Comparison Sheet B 66, 67 

Comparison Sheet C 12, 73 

Comparison Sheet D 78, 79 

Composition of Corn. 58, 61, 62, 69 

Color of Germs 52 

Ear — Dryness of 48 

Hardness of 48 

Shape of 41 

Size of 41 

Environment — Effect of in 

Corn 86 

Exhibits of Corn — Preparation 

of for Judging 35 

Germination of Corn 81 

Germs — Color of 52 

Size of 54 

Grade Sheet for Comparison 

Jiidging of Corn 85 

Grading Corn for Planting 83 

Height of Ear on Stalk 91 

Indentation of Corn 42 

Insects which Attack Corn 56 

Judging of Corn 34 

By the Hand 76 

Kernel of Corn — Blisters on... 54 



PAGE 
Kernel of Corn — 

Cracking of 54 

Composition of 58. 

Depth of 46 

Shape of 54 

Size of 54 

Structure of 60, 61 

Uniformity of 58, 69 

Maturity of Corn 48- 

Mould and Fungus Diseases 

in Corn 56 

Number of Ears per Plant.... 91 

Number of Rows in Ear 46 

Score-Card for Corn 74, 75 

Score-Card for Study of Corn 

in Field 88, 89- 

Seed Condition of Corn 65 

Selection of Seed Corn.... 81, 86 

In Field— Rules for 90 

Plant versus Ordinary 87 

Shank of Ear 63, 70, 93 

Shape of Ear 41 

Shape of Grain 46 

Size of Ear 41 

Space between Grains 48 

Study of Characteristics of 

Corn 35 

Suckering of Corn 91 

Types of Corn — Description of. 11 

Dent Corn 11 

Flint Corn 12" 

Pod Corn 16 

Pop Corn 14 

Soft Corn 13 

Sweet Corn 14 

Uniformity of Type 68, 80' 

95 



96 



INDEX 



PAGE 

Uniformity of Grains 58, 69 

Varieties of Corn — Descrip- 
tion of 17 

Boone County White 17 

Clarage 19 

Cocke Prolific 19 

Collier's Excelsior 20 

Funk's Yellow Dent 20 

Hickory King 21 

Hildreth 21 

Hogue's Yellow Dent 22 

Kansas Sunflower 22 

Learning 23 

Minnesota No. 13 24 



PAGE 

\^arieties of Corn — 

Pickett's Yellow Dent 24 

Pride of the North 25 

Reid's Yellow Dent 25 

Silver King 27 

Silvermine 27 

Varieties of Northern Zone — 

Description of 29 

Varieties of North Central 

Zone — Description of 30 

Varieties of South Central 

Zone — Description of 31 

Varieties of Southern Zone — 

Description of 32 

Weight of Ear 46, 50, 93 



WAH 19 1919 



One copy del. to Cat. Div. 



Mm -m mn 



